Self-centering horizontally translatable support/hold-down apparatus for building structures and the like

ABSTRACT

A pair of confronting conical support surfaces confine therebetween a spherical ball bearing to define a structure support means which allows horizontal translation in any direction of one support surface relative to the other via the ball bearing. Structure hold-down means generally integral with the conical surfaces limits the vertical movement therebetween when the earth is at rest or when moving, while allowing horizontal translation. The structure support means and the structure hold-down means are disposed between the structure and its foundation, whereby horizontal movement of the earth due to earthquakes, etc., moves only the lower support surface. The upper support surface and the building experiences no horizontal movement due to the building inertia, and the frictionless lateral translation allowed by the ball bearing. The support means and the hold-down means may be combined in an integral unit of various configurations, or may be separated into separate units spaced between the structure and its foundation.

United States Patent Byers 5] Nov. 13, 1973 [76] Inventor; Jim L. Byers, Rt. 1, Box 204,

Thermal, Calif. 92274 [22] Filed: Dec. 13, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 207,026

[521 21197z..2@13;.24@2 W H 248/25 [51] Int. Cl E04h 9/02 [58] Field of Search 248/17, 18, 20, 24, 248/25; 52/167, 573; 287/91 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,695,373 12/1928 Harpcr..... 248/25 X 2,414,506 1/1947 Bowen 248/20 2,753,587 7/1956 Quinn 16/85 X 2,249,871 7/1941 Taigman..... 248/17 575,771 l/1897 Sumner 287/91 2,035,143 3/1936 Cavaglieri... 52/167 2,690,074 9/1954 Jones 52/167 3,212,745 10/1965 Lode 52/167 X Primary Examiner- Alfred C. Perham Attorney-George B. Almeida [57] ABSTRACT A pair of confronting conical support surfaces confine therebetween a spherical ball bearing to define a structure support means which allows horizontal translation in any direction of one support surface relative to the other via the ball bearing. Structure hold-down means generally integral with the conical surfaces limits the vertical movement therebetween when the earth is at rest or when moving, while allowing horizontal translation. The structure support means and the structure hold-down means are disposed between the structure and its foundation, whereby horizontal movement of the earth due to earthquakes, etc., moves only the lower support surface. The upper support surface and the building experiences no horizontal movement due to the building inertia, and the frictionless lateral translation allowed by the ball bearing. The support means and the hold-down means may be combined in an integral unit of various configurations, or may be separated into separate units spaced between the structure and its foundation.

11 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures PATENTEDHUV I 3 I975 3,771, 270

' I SHEET 2 OF 3 77-" 80 F 4 INVENTOR. 9O 88 JM BYERS BY :02 84 98 I; IE EI AGENT PATENTEUnnv 13 I975 3.771. 2 i0 SHEET 3' or 3 INVENTOR.

JIM 1 BYERS AGENT SELF-CENTERING HORIZONTALLY TRANSLATABLE SUPPORT/HOLD-DOWN APPARATUS FOR BUILDING STRUCTURES AND THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. FIELD The present invention relates to earthquake damage prevention devices, and more particularly to a selfcentering, horizontally translatable support and holddown apparatus for buildings, large equipment installations, and other large structures.

2. PRIOR ART Various devices have been developed in the past which may be used to support various associated types of structures to allow horizontal movement of the structure relative to its foundation. Various planar, inclined, spherical, etc., configurations are known, however none of the prior art devices provide a practical, horizontally translatable, self-centering device which is particularly adaptable as an earthquake-proof device, and which includes means for preventing excess vertical movement of the structure relative to the foundation. Likewise, prior art configurations are not readily adaptable to modern building construction techniques and/or associated building codes, which in earthquake prone areas of the United States are becoming increasingly stringent. That is, prior art earthquake-proof supports have been developed without providing for practical adaptation to present day building codes, standards, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [hold-down which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art devices by providing not only an industrially acceptable device for support of buildings, machinery, and other structures, but also one which meets, and thus conforms to the stringent building codes in areas of the country which are earthquake prone, e.g., provides a simple, low cost, mechanically engineered apparatus. Various embodiments are contemplated by the invention combination for horizontal translation of a structure relative to its foundation, while limiting vertical movement therebetween.

In one embodiment, the invention employs an (upper) conical, support member, a confronting (lower) conical base member, and a smoothly surfaced spherical ball disposed therebetween. The ball acts as a single bearing confined between the members, whereby one member is free to translate in any horizontal direction relative to the other member by rolling upon the ball. A structure hold-down device is contemplated in integral or separate combination with the support device to prevent vertical movement of the supported structure when at rest or during any period of horizontal translation.

One hold-down device includes an annular bearing plate integrally formed with the support member and thus secured to the structure foundation, and having a central opening therethrough. A bearing device including a circular hold-down plate, is integrally formed with the base member and is thus secured to the structure floor framework or plate via a shaft extending through the opening. A series of bearings are confined between the annular bearing plate and the hold-down plate. A second hold-down device includes a modified form of the support and base plates, wherein heavy spring means is coupled therebetween to provide springloaded, limited, vertical movement. In either holddown means, horizontal translation is allowed between the members, but vertical movement between the structure plate and its foundation is limited.

Adjunct features, in combination with the structure support and holddown of the invention, include flexible hose and pipe utility connections which absorb any horizontal movement as well as vertical movement allowed by the invention, and thus experienced by the structure relative to its foundation, without disrupting the utility service.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a blown-apart perspective of a structure support means of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A and B are cross-sections of either a conical or a planar surface support apparatus, depicting the invention structure positions when the associated structure is at rest and when it is horizontally displaced due to earth movement, impact, etc.

FIG. 4 is a blown-apart perspective separately illustrating structure hold-down means of the invention combination.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the hold-down means of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of an integral structure support/hold-down apparatus employing in combination the means of FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 is a partially broken-out plan of the apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a blown-apart perspective of another embodiment of hold-down means in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the apparatus of FIG. 8 upon assembly.

FIG. 10 is a blown-apart prspective of an integral structure support/hold-down apparatus employing in combination the means of FIGS. 1 and 8.

FIG. 1 l is a cross-section of an integral structure support/hold-down apparatus such-as depicted in FIG. 10, but with symmetrical, and thus identical, upper and lower bearing plates.

FIG. 12 is a blown-apart perspective of another embodiment of an integral support/hold-down apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a cross-section taken along section line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are elevations of flexible utility connections employed in combination with the structure support/hold-down apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a structure support means 10 of the invention combination, which provides structure support while allowing horizontal translation of a structure 11 relative to its supporting foundation 13 (FIG. 2). To this end, the structure support means 10 includes an (upper) conical support member 12, a (lower) conical base member 14 and a smoothly surfaced spherical ball 16 disposed between the confronting conical members 12 and 14. The ball 16 acts as a single ball bearing rotatably confined between the members, to allow one member to frictionlessly translate in any horizontal direction relative to the other member, by rolling on the ball 16. When the structure support means 10 is employed as a building support the components 12-16 are formed of metal such as, for example, cast iron, steel, aluminum, etc., however, the components may be formed of plastic, fiberglass, hard rubber, etc., depending upon the operating conditions, loads, environment, sizes, etc., associated with the specific application, or type of structure.

The members l2, 14 are generally identical in configuration and shape and include a support bearing plate 18 and a base bearing plate 20 respectively, which terminate in continuous annular flanges 22, 24 respectively at substantially equal radii. The annular flanges 22, 24 have confronting surfaces 23, 25 respectively, wherein edge surface 23 of member 12 is substantially wider and of larger diameter than the surface 25 of the base member 14. Thus a resilient band seal 27, secured about the flange 24 via a fastener 29, bears against the confronting wider surface 23 along one edge of the seal 27 to provide accordingly a seal between the flanges 22, 24. The specific seal means shown may be replaced by a larger diameter thin rubber, or folded aluminum, bellows, sleeve, etc. (as depicted in FIG. infra) which may bear against, or otherwise connect to, the opposing flanges 22, 24, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, the memneously repositions its apex 30 with the ball 16, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A. Thus the support means is self-positioning.

Note that although the support means shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B has been described herein as a conical surface type of device, the FIGS. 3A and 3B (as well as FIG. 2) also describe the cross section of a planar surface, unidirectional type of support means. Thus numerals 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b refer to plane surfaces, and numeral 16 refers to a cylindrical (roller) bearing.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an embodiment of a holddown means 40 of the invention combination. An anbers 12, 14 include mounting means 31, 33 integrally formed with the plates 18, 20 and flanges 22, 24 respectively. The mounting means herein include holes for receiving bolts for fastening the respective members l2, 14 to the structure 11, machinery base, etc., as well as to the foundation 13. Obviously, other mounting means may be employed.

In accordance with the invention, inside confronting surfaces 26, 28 of the bearing plates 18, 20 respectively are radially inclined, or tapered, to define very shallow, opposing, conical configurations whose apexes 30, 32 lie along a common axis (when the plates and flanges are in the coaxial, at rest, position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A.) Note that the inclined surfaces 26, 28 are equally tapered; i.e., a radius 26a of plate 18 diametrically opposed to a radius 28b of plate 20, are substantially parallel (see the cross sections of FIG. 2). Likewise, radius 26b is substantially parallel with radius 28a, as are all other diametrically opposed radii of the plates 18, 20.

By way of illustrating the structure support means 10 operation, it is assumed that the support bearing plates 18 of a spaced series of the support means 10 are secured to the bottom (floor frame, plate, etc.) of a structure (building, machinery, etc.) and the base bearing plates 20 are secured to a foundation affixed to the earth. If sudden lateral vibration is experienced by the earths surface (as during an earthquake) the base member 14 is readily translated in any horizontal direction below the support member 12. That is, due to the inertia of the structure, the earths surface (and thus the base member 14) is free to vibrate, translate, etc., under the support member 12 (and thus the structure) with little motion being imparted to the structure. On the other hand, if the structure is impacted by some force, the support members 12 secured thereunder are free to translate horizontally relative to the base members 14 in response to the force, to thereby absorb the impact with a minimum of damage to the structure. Note in all cases that, after the vibrations cease, the ball 16 tends to return to the apex 32, of the base bearing plate 20, and the support bearing plate 18 simultanular base member 42 is secured as by bolts via holes in flanges 44 (FIG/4) or is embedded into an associated concrete foundation 45 (as at 46, FIG. 5). The annular base member 42 includes a central opening 48 of selected diameter, wherein a selected annular portion extending radially outward from the opening 48 defines a bearing surface 50.

A shaft 52 is welded or bolted to a hold-down bearing plate 54 at one end, and is demountably secured to a floor framework 55, plate, sill, etc., (FIG. 5) of the structure, machinery base, etc., as by means of a threaded portion 56 and a mating nut 58. The threaded portion 56 provides means for adjusting the spacing between the hold-down plate 54 and the bearing surface 50 of member 42, and thus for determining the allowable vertical movement of the hold-down means 40 as further described below. Although the demountable end of the shaft 52 is shown coupled to the floor framework 55, it may be demountably secured instead to the hold-down plate 54.

A ball bearing device 60 which herein constitutes the translatable hold-down mechanism, includes a spacing collar 62 which contains a series of ball bearings 64. Collar 62 is circumjacently positioned about the shaft 52 by means of radially extending springs 66 secured thereto at one end and at the other end to a washer 68 loosely disposed about the shaft 52.

In operation, slight upward movement of the floor frame 55 causes like upward movement of the shaft 52 and hold-down plate 54. Plate 54 lifts bearing means 60 until the bearings 64' bear against the bearing surface 50 of the base member 42. Further vertically upward movement of the floor frame and thus of the structure is prevented by the hold-down means 40, although frictionless horizontal translation is allowed via action of the ball bearing device 60.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown an integral structure support/hold-down apparatus 69 utilizing the basic configurations of the support means shown in FIGS. l-3A, B, and of the hold-down means shown in FIGS. 4-5. The base member 42 of FIGS. 4-5 is replaced by base member 70 in FIGS. 6, 7, which includes a pair of structure support means 10 integrally formed within the member 70. The member 70 includes a relatively thick cross-section wherein a cavity 71 is machined to provide the bearing surface 50, and is secured to the concrete foundation 45 via extension portions as at 46. The ball bearing device 60 is positioned between the hold-down plate 54 and the bearing surface 50 of the member 70. The shaft 52 extends from the plate 54 through the central opening 48 and a hole in the floor framework 55. A large area steel washer 72 may be disposed under the nut 58 and against the framework 55 to firmly secure the plate 54 to the framework 55.

The pair of structure support means include annular flanges 24 and conical surfaces 28 formed in the top surface of the member 70. A support plate 73 replacing the plate 12 of FIGS. 1-3A, B, is secured to the floor framework 55, as by flanges and bolts, etc., as shown in FIG. 1. The structure support means 10 includes annular flanges 22 and conical surfaces 26 formed in the lower side of the plate 73, in confronting relation to the respective flanges 24 in the member 70. A spherical ball 16 is disposed between the surfaces 26, 28 of each of the means 10.

As may be seen, the apparatus 69 provides a selfcentering, horizontally translatable support integral with a hold-down means, wherein plates and members of the two devices are integrally formed to perform the combined functions of limiting vertical movement while allowing horizontal translation with a single integral apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 another embodiment 74 of a hold-down means comprises an (upper) plate 75 and a (lower) base plate 76, which are coupled together via a horizontally translatable spring device 77. The latter constitutes the horizontally translatably hold-down mechanism analogous to'the ball bearing device 60 of FIGS. 4-7, both of which perform the function of limiting the extent of vertical movement of a structure relative to its foundation, while allowing horizontal translation via action of the support means of previous mentioned in FIGS. l-3A, B.

Base plate 76 has a central opening 78 formed therein, which is secured to, or is integrally formed with, a truncated cone member 80 integrally formed with the plate 76, and which extends perpendicularly away from the upper plate 75. Plate 75 has a central opening 82 in register with the opening 78, and the smaller end of the cone member 80 has a central opening 84 in line with the opening 82 in plate 75. Spring means 77 includes a pair of identical spring retainers 86, 88, each formed of steel rods bent into a double U shape. A spring 90 is confined in partial compression by the double U portions 92, 94 ofthe spring retainers 86, 88 respectively. Central connecting portions 96, 98 thereof extend through the openings 82, 84 respectively, and are secured to depressions 83, 85 at ei-' ther side of the openings in the associated plates 75, 76, via pins 100, 102 respectively. FIG. 9 depicts in phantom line the vertically-limiting action of the hold-down means 74 during horizontal translation of the structure relative to its foundation (or vice versa). Plate 75 moves laterally, while further upward movement thereof relative to plate 76 is prevented by the complete compression of the spring 90 between the spring retainers 86, 88. Cone member 80 provides mounting for the spring device 77' while allowing room for pivoting of the latter.

Both the hold-down means of FIGS. 4, 5 and FIGS. 8, 9 and the support means of FIGS. 1, 3A, B are shown individually; i.e., separate from each other, for purposes of facilitating the description of the invention.

However, the invention combination contemplates the hold-down means of either FIGS. 4, 5 (as shown in FIGS. 10-13) as integrally formed with the support means of FIGS. l-3A, B, to define an integral unit. To this end, FIG. 10 depicts another combined supportlhold-down apparatus 104 employing a pair of structure support means 106 (means 10 of FIGS. 1, 2) between which is disposed a hold-down means 108 (means 74 of FIG. 8-9). The apparatus 104 includes a support plate 110 and a base plate 112 which together with the support means 106 and hold-down means 108 defines an integral unit. The means 108 includes spring device 77 coupled between the plates 110, 112 as previously described in FIGS. 8, 9. The support means 106 includes annular flanges 22, 24, tapered confronting surfaces 26, 28 and respective spherical balls 16, in a configuration identical to that described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2.

FIG. 11 depicts in cross section a modified version 114 of the support/hold-down apparatus 104 of FIG. 10, wherein the support and base plates 110, 112 are replaced by symmetrical support and base plates 116, 118. Thus a hold-down means includes truncated cone members 122, 124 integrally formed in both the plates 116, 118 respectively. The cone members 122, 124 are similar in configuration to the cone member 80 of FIGS. 8-10, except that members 122, 124 are essentially one-half the member 80 depth, given a spring means 77 of similar overall length. The distance between pins 100, 102 (i.e., the total lengths of the cone members 122, 124) is dependent upon the overall length of the spring means 77, the extent of compression of the spring 90, and the amount of vertical travel permissible, and/or selected, between the support and base plates 116, 118; i.e., between the structure and its foundation.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13 there is shown still another embodiment 126 of the structure supportlhold-down apparatus of the invention, employing triangular support and base plates 128, 130 with structure support means 106 of previous mentioned disposed at each corner of the triangular configuration. The means 106 include annular flanges 22, 24, tapered confronting surfaces 26, 28 and spherical balls 16, each identical to that of FIGS. 1 and 2. The plates shown here have a flat, and an extending truncated cone member, type configuration (as shown in FIG. 10) with centrally located openings 82, 84 defining means for securing the central connecting portions 96, 98 of the spring means 77. However, the symmetrical plate configuration of FIG. 11 may be employed in the triangular configuration of FIGS. 12, 13. The spring means 77 of previous mentioned is disposed between the plates 128, 130 with pins 100, 102 disposed through the retainer connecting portions 96, 98 respectively, which are nestled into the depressions 83, 85 fonned in the plates 128, 130 immediately about the openings 82, 84 respectively.

The invention has particular application as an antiearthquake support for structures. It is installed in the self-centered position depicted in FIGS. 2, 3A. The resilient annular seal 27, which may be included in all the combined structures of FIGS. 6, 7, 10-13, prevents the entrance of foreign matter such as dirt, leaves, etc. Subsequently, upon the occurance of vibration or other translation of the earths surface, as during an earthquake, the base member 14 is free to translate below the ball 16, relative to the support member 12, as depicted in FIG. 3B. In the conical configuration shown here, the relative translation may be in any direction along the horizontal. Note that the relative movement between the two members of any of the embodiments is essentially frictionless; that is, the slight, parallel taper of the inside surfaces 26, 28, in conjunction with the spherical ball 16, allow ready translation in any direction with a minimum of friction.

The degree of pitch may be varied as required by the particular application, e.g., increased pitch may be utilized for the conical inner surfaces 26, 28 whereby increased resistance to horizontal translation is provided, and vice versa.

Various alternative embodiments are contemplated by the invention, wherein for example a roller bearing, e.g., a cylinder, may be employed in place of the ball 16, wherein the plates 18, 20 are inclined plane surfaces rather than conical surfaces. Such' a configuration is shown by the cross sections of FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B. In this configuration, translation is permitted only in one dimension, rather than in two dimensions as in the above description. However, two dimension translation may be provided by employing two sets of rollers and respective inclined planes, perpendicularly arranged with respect to each other on different planes located between the building base and its foundation.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, horizontal translation of the building requires flexible connecting means for the utilities introduced to the building structure, machinery, etc. Accordingly gas, water, etc., utilities may be coupled through the floor framework 55 of a building via a spirally coiled connector pipe 134. Pipe 34 is preferably formed of a partially flexible material such as copper, or may be formed of a flexible conduit, bellows, etc.

As shown in FIG. 15 sewage connections may be made through the floor framework 55 via a signel turn, large, connector means 136 which couples at the lower end to the cleanout Tee 138 of the sewage drain. The connector means 136 again is preferably made of a partially flexible material, or of a flexible conduit, bellows,

etc.

I claim:

1. A structure support/hold-down apparatus for disposition between the base of a structure and its foundation to allow horizontal translation of the structure relative to the foundation while limiting the vertical movement therebetween, comprising the combination of;

structure support means including a support plate secured to the base of the structure and a base plate secured to the foundation and including a pair of confronting inclined surfaces therein for confining a bearing member therebetween; said inclined surfaces defining conical surfaces formed in the respective plates in the confronting relation; said bearing member comprises a sphere disposed between the confronting conical surfaces, the surfaces being horizontally translatable relative to each other via rotation therebetween of the bearing member; and

hold-down means including a hold-down mechanism integrally coupled as a unit from the support plate to the base plate, and horizontally translatable in any direction with minimized friction relative to the structure support means while positively limiting vertical movement between the pair of confronting conical surfaces and thus between the structure and its foundation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hold-down mechanism includes a spring device coupled between the support and base plates, which further includes a spring confined therebetween which upon fully compressing provides the positive limit of vertical movement.

3. A structure support/hold-down apparatus for disposition between the base of a structure and its founda tion to allow horizontal translation of the structure relative tothe foundation while limitingthe vertical movement therebetween, comprising the combination of;

structure support means including a support plate secured to the base of the structure and a base plate secured to the foundation and including a pair of confronting inclined surfaces therein for confining a bearing member therebetween; said inclined surfaces defining conical surfaces formed in the respective plates in the confronting relation; said bearing member comprises a sphere disposed between the confronting conical surfaces, the surfaces being horizontally translatable relative to each other via rotation therebetween of the bearing member; and

hold-down means including a hold-down mechanism operatively coupled to limit vertical movement between the pair of plates while allowing horizontal translation in any direction; wherein said holddown mechanism includes a spring device coupled between the support and base plates, the device including a spring confined therebetween which upon fully compressing provides the extent of vertical movement;

said support and base plates having fastener means for demountably securing a pin to each plate; wherein at least one of the plates includes a truncated cone member integral therewith and adapted to receive therein the spring device, one end of the spring thereof being coupled to one of the plates via a respective fastener means while the other end thereof is coupled to the cone member of the other plate via its fastener means.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the spring device includes spring retainer means in the form of a pair of rods bent in the double U configuration, said spring being confined between the double U portion of the retainer means, a connecting portion between the double U portions of the retainer means being secured to respective plates via respective pins of the fastener means.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein each of the support and base plates include integrally formed truncated cone members extending oppositelytherefrom, said fastener means being disposed at the opposite ends of the cone members to secure the respective ends of the spring device thereto while providing space therein for lateral movement of the spring device.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein a pair of structure support means are integrally formed as a unit with the spring device, said support and base plates including two pairs of respective opposing annular flanges, each defining therein the conical surfaces for receiving therebetween a respective sphere.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the support and base plates are triangular in shape, wherein a structure support means is disposed in each corner of the triangular plates in opposing relation, and the spring device is integrally secured via fastener means located at the center of the plates.

8. A structure support/hold-down apparatus for disposition between the base of a structure and its foundation to allow horizontal translation of the structure relative to the foundation while limiting the vertical movement therebetween, comprising the combination of;

structure support means including a support plate secured to the base of the structure and a base plate secured to the foundation and including a pair of confronting inclined surfaces therein for confining a bearing member therebetween; said inclined surfaces defining conical surfaces formed in the respective plates in the confronting relation; said bearing member comprises a sphere disposed between the confronting conical surfaces, the surfaces being horizontally translatable relative to each other via rotation therebetween of the bearing member; and

hold-down means including a hold-down mechanism operatively coupled to limit vertical movement between the pair of plates while allowing horizontal translation in any direction; wherein said holddown mechanism includes a bearing surface formed in one of the plates, a hold-down member coupled to the other of the plates and extending in confronting relation below the bearing surface, and a bearing assembly disposed therebetween and spaced a selected vertical distance from the bearing surface, wherein positive limit vertical movement is provided when the hold-down member urges the bearing assembly upward for contact against the bearing surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the hold-down mechanism includes a bearing base plate secured to the foundation, including a central opening therein with an annular bearing surface formed under the base plate about the opening, said hold-down member being secured to the structure via a shaft passing through the opening in the bearing base plate, wherein said bearing assembly includes an annular spacing collar and a series of captive ball bearings disposed about the shaft between the annular bearing surface of the bearing base plate and the hold-down member.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a pair of structure support means are integrally formed as a unit with the hold-down mechanism, said support and base plates including two pairs of respective opposing annular flanges, each defining therein the conical surfaces for receiving therebetween a respective sphere.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the support and base plates are triangular in shape, wherein a structure support means is disposed in each corner of the triangular plates in opposing relation, and the hold-down mechanism is integrally secured from plate to plate at the centers thereof. 

1. A structure support/hold-down apparatus for disposition between the base of a structure and its foundation to allow horizontal translation of the structure relative to the foundation while limiting the vertical movement therebetween, comprising the combination of; structure support means including a support plate secured to the base of the structure and a bAse plate secured to the foundation and including a pair of confronting inclined surfaces therein for confining a bearing member therebetween; said inclined surfaces defining conical surfaces formed in the respective plates in the confronting relation; said bearing member comprises a sphere disposed between the confronting conical surfaces, the surfaces being horizontally translatable relative to each other via rotation therebetween of the bearing member; and hold-down means including a hold-down mechanism integrally coupled as a unit from the support plate to the base plate, and horizontally translatable in any direction with minimized friction relative to the structure support means while positively limiting vertical movement between the pair of confronting conical surfaces and thus between the structure and its foundation.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hold-down mechanism includes a spring device coupled between the support and base plates, which further includes a spring confined therebetween which upon fully compressing provides the positive limit of vertical movement.
 3. A structure support/hold-down apparatus for disposition between the base of a structure and its foundation to allow horizontal translation of the structure relative to the foundation while limiting the vertical movement therebetween, comprising the combination of; structure support means including a support plate secured to the base of the structure and a base plate secured to the foundation and including a pair of confronting inclined surfaces therein for confining a bearing member therebetween; said inclined surfaces defining conical surfaces formed in the respective plates in the confronting relation; said bearing member comprises a sphere disposed between the confronting conical surfaces, the surfaces being horizontally translatable relative to each other via rotation therebetween of the bearing member; and hold-down means including a hold-down mechanism operatively coupled to limit vertical movement between the pair of plates while allowing horizontal translation in any direction; wherein said hold-down mechanism includes a spring device coupled between the support and base plates, the device including a spring confined therebetween which upon fully compressing provides the extent of vertical movement; said support and base plates having fastener means for demountably securing a pin to each plate; wherein at least one of the plates includes a truncated cone member integral therewith and adapted to receive therein the spring device, one end of the spring thereof being coupled to one of the plates via a respective fastener means while the other end thereof is coupled to the cone member of the other plate via its fastener means.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the spring device includes spring retainer means in the form of a pair of rods bent in the double ''''U'''' configuration, said spring being confined between the double ''''U'''' portion of the retainer means, a connecting portion between the double ''''U'''' portions of the retainer means being secured to respective plates via respective pins of the fastener means.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein each of the support and base plates include integrally formed truncated cone members extending oppositely therefrom, said fastener means being disposed at the opposite ends of the cone members to secure the respective ends of the spring device thereto while providing space therein for lateral movement of the spring device.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein a pair of structure support means are integrally formed as a unit with the spring device, said support and base plates including two pairs of respective opposing annular flanges, each defining therein the conical surfaces for receiving therebetween a respective sphere.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the support and base plates are triangular in shape, wherein a structure support means is disposed in each corner of the triangular plAtes in opposing relation, and the spring device is integrally secured via fastener means located at the center of the plates.
 8. A structure support/hold-down apparatus for disposition between the base of a structure and its foundation to allow horizontal translation of the structure relative to the foundation while limiting the vertical movement therebetween, comprising the combination of; structure support means including a support plate secured to the base of the structure and a base plate secured to the foundation and including a pair of confronting inclined surfaces therein for confining a bearing member therebetween; said inclined surfaces defining conical surfaces formed in the respective plates in the confronting relation; said bearing member comprises a sphere disposed between the confronting conical surfaces, the surfaces being horizontally translatable relative to each other via rotation therebetween of the bearing member; and hold-down means including a hold-down mechanism operatively coupled to limit vertical movement between the pair of plates while allowing horizontal translation in any direction; wherein said hold-down mechanism includes a bearing surface formed in one of the plates, a hold-down member coupled to the other of the plates and extending in confronting relation below the bearing surface, and a bearing assembly disposed therebetween and spaced a selected vertical distance from the bearing surface, wherein positive limit vertical movement is provided when the hold-down member urges the bearing assembly upward for contact against the bearing surface.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the hold-down mechanism includes a bearing base plate secured to the foundation, including a central opening therein with an annular bearing surface formed under the base plate about the opening, said hold-down member being secured to the structure via a shaft passing through the opening in the bearing base plate, wherein said bearing assembly includes an annular spacing collar and a series of captive ball bearings disposed about the shaft between the annular bearing surface of the bearing base plate and the hold-down member.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a pair of structure support means are integrally formed as a unit with the hold-down mechanism, said support and base plates including two pairs of respective opposing annular flanges, each defining therein the conical surfaces for receiving therebetween a respective sphere.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the support and base plates are triangular in shape, wherein a structure support means is disposed in each corner of the triangular plates in opposing relation, and the hold-down mechanism is integrally secured from plate to plate at the centers thereof. 